Rastafari: Roots and Ideology (Utopianism and Communitarianism)

Having said that, the book covers the history and development of Rastafari, from its roots in Myal religion and West African traditions to its development from Revivalism, another religious movement preceding Rastafari. Chevannes also covers Marcus Garvey, early Ethiopianism, and idealizations of "Africa" that inform Rasta ideology. Religious usage of Ganja and Dreadlocks is also covered, providing a helpful correct to racist right-wing myths about the Rasta.

An especially important chapter called "Word, Sound and Power" details the use of Rasta language. In-depth coverage of concepts such as "Babylon," "I-and-I," as well as the tendency of Rasta's to literalize word parts around the meaning of words is helpful.

This chapter will also help explain why Rastas shy away from vocalizing oppresion language in there own usage---while making it explicit in the language of those from Babylon.. Thus, "oppressor" becomes "downpressor"--conjuring up pictures of active political suppression. Certainly few understand better than the Rasta the power of language to control and direct thought and action.

In addition to this volume, check out the work of Leonard Barrett, and the book "Chanting Down Babylon:The Rastafari Reader" for more, informative, insightful information about this minority religio-cultural movement.


A sweeping look into the origins ad practices of Rastafarian   December 4, 2000
Michael Feinberg (Atlanta, GA USA)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Most cultures are based around religion. In the book "Rastafari: Roots and Ideology" Barry Chevannes traces the history and beliefs of the Rastafarian religion back to the prophet Marcus Garvey and his mass coalition against racial oppression and support for a free Africa. Before Garvey, few Jamaicans had positive attitudes toward Africa, however the rise of Black Nationalism provided the movement with its momentum to organize a system of beliefs. Chevannes explores the movement from the peasants in Jamaica in 1930 to its international following today. Chevannes intends to, and does, inform the reader about the Rastafarian religion and belief system. Rastafarianism arose in the ghettos of Kingston in the early 1930's at just about the same time as Haille Sellassie, a black man, was crowned emperor of Ethiopia. Rastafarians believe that Africa is their homeland and are thus exiles in "Babylon," and must return to "Zion." The holy Piby (Rastafarian bible) says that when a black man is a king in Africa it will be the right time to migrate to "Zion." The statement shows the significance of Sellassie's coronation as king of Ethiopia. As time went on the movement grew to become the central religion in Jamaica and has many followers throughout the world. The story of the Rastafarian movement shows how with determination, hope, and persistence one can over come huge barriers. This book is more focused for adult readers that know basic information about the movement, but anyone that is interested in this religion or in the African-American culture would find this book appealing.


Start Here   June 1, 2001
Andrew Barton (ithaca, ny United States)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

...and move on to other books or talk with someone who knows about the religion. This book was my first insight into the ideology and history of Rastafari. After reading it carefully, I don't think that I have a good understanding of what exactly the religion is, what exactly a Rastafarian believes, and how the Rastafarian practices (I don't even know the proper word to use...Rasta, Rastafari, Rastafarian?). The historical context provided by Chevannes is excellent. His writing is very academic. If you don't have a solid background understanding of Rastafari, I would look to another book. This one is good, but perhaps misses some of the real basics while focusing on particular sects and historical facts of Rastafari.


insightful   August 24, 1999
6 out of 8 found this review helpful

Recommended to anyone who ever wandered, what's with the drealocks. RASTAFARI. "Rastafari:Roots and Ideology" shows the birth of the rastafarism, it's evolution as a movement and its current position in today's society, its manifestations beyond jamaica's frontiers. YJN